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Topic: American Idol Season 11 (Read 16986 times)

I feel that there were more bad performances with the girls than with the guys, but overall, the girls definitely outsang the guys. There were more outstanding, memorable performances with them than with the guys. So I hope that there'll be more girls put into the Top 13, hmm.

Having said that, my pick for the Top 6 girls are Jessica, Hollie, Elise, Skylar... Hopefully Shannon and Erika, but I'm uncertain about these two. Jen might be in.

Can't wait for the results. Whatever decision America makes is out of our control, but I hope that the judges make wise picks for the Wild Cards.

Chelsea Sorrell – “Cowboy Casanova” by Carrie Underwood – Chelsea is a solid singer, but she comes off karaoke, which can be a big problem for contestants who cover contemporary songs in the genre they sing. Chelsea’s version was decent, but through her entire performance I’m thinking “Carrie’s version is so much better.” Being the first to perform makes her totally forgettable. Randy says, “You definitely can sing.” But what’s that? Is he actually critiquing her? He questions her song choice, because the “Carrie thing” is something she’s done before. “You have to separate yourself out.” Why yes. It is an actually critique! Jennifer calls her nasally. Where were these critiques with the guys last night? Steven tells her to watch her phrasing and timing - 1-866-436-5701

Erika Van Pelt – “What About Love” by Heart – Now, THIS is how you sing a song and NOT sound karaoke. I’ve been in love with Erika’s throaty alto since her audition. She’s got a great sound, great phrasing and she sings with confidence. She’s cut back on the runs in this song, and it’s perfect. Jennifer thought she was holding back, but I disagree. You don’t need a song full of vocal gymnastics to give a compelling passionate performance. I hope the viewers vote for her. Steven says her confidence “breaths wings” into her performance. Jennifer tells her to “let loose on us.” Randy says she shows confidence with restraint, but then stupidly compares her to Adele. He’s never heard of a singing DJ. Oh, Randy. 1-866-436-5702

Jen Hirsh – “One and Only” by Adele – I liked most of Jen’s Hollywood performances, but I’m not feeling this at all. She was underpitch through much of it and was straining on the high notes. But I could have forgiven some pitchiness if she made me feel something when she sang. Jen was going through the motions, but I just didn’t get it. Jennifer says she’s the first person to come out and let loose a little bit (except…Erika was way better). Steven said she had a little trouble with “the last little bitty thing”, but he liked it. Randy appreciates her “swag.” Randy thinks she’s one of the best singers in the competition. - 1-866-436-5703

Brielle Von Hugel “Sitting on the Dock of The Bay” by Otis Redding – Wow. That was….interesting. First, Brielle doesn’t have the emotional chops to sing Otis. Her performance was mannered and silly–like a little girl dressed up in her momma’s clothes singing into a pretend microphone. She hit a few clunkers in there too, and her phrasing is just really really weird. Imagine my shock when the judges gave her a big ole giant tongue bath. Steven tells her she’s got a great sense of the blues. Jlo calls her a “true performer” and “amazing”. Randy compares her to Janis Joplin. Uhm. NO. I think America will see through that. They also haven’t forgotten her Hollywood bitch edit, so I don’t expect her to advance. - 1-866-436-5704

Hallie Day – “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone – Thanks to Jennifer Hudson’s ubiquitous Weight Watchers ads, this song is pretty played out, so I was surprised by my NOT hating on Hallie’s version. She’s got a powerful voice and manged to put a fresh spin on the tune. I’d really like to hear her tackle something contemporary, but I still found it weird when Randy suddenly began picking on her. “What kind of artist do you want to be…where do you see yourself.” Really Randy? All she wants to do is sing soul. Randy inexplicably name checks Lana Del Ray while he’s at it. Seriously, he throws bullshit like a monkey flinging his own poop. Silly. “You look like a star,” says Jennifer. Steven likes her old-timey voice. He name checks Adele. Stop! 1-866-436-5705

Baylie Brown – “Amaze” by Lonestar – Whoa. I called Baylie as a shoe-in for the Top 13, but unfortunately she totally choked in front of a live audience. It was like she was singing in slow motion. Even the key change was boring. She was also super off-pitch. I was not expecting her to tank like that. Steven tells her he doesn’t think it was the best song she could have picked for tonight. YA THINK? “I’ve heard you sing better.” Jennifer didn’t think she had control through the song. Randy agreed. The judges kept telling her she looked great. Code for “you sucked.” Baylie admits she was really nervous. “I don’t think I did too awful for it.” Hm. Baylie. It was as bad as your grammar right there. 1-866-436-5707

Hollie Cavanagh – “Reflection” by Christina Aguilera - Hollie has a big, powerful old fashioned voice. But I’m getting shades of Pia Toscano here, who was impressive initially, but didn’t really move past those big belty ballads. I could see Hollie possibly moving to the Top 13, but she won’t last long if she doesn’t show some versatility. She was a little flat on some of her notes and didn’t quite hit the high note. I think she should have sat out another year or two before she came back to Idol because her vocal also lacks a certain emotional resonance maturity would bring. Steven thought it was perfect. Jennifer thinks she could win it. Randy making “doo doo” jokes. Randy thought she needed to let loose a little bit - 1-866-436-5708

Shannon Magrane – “Go Light Your World” by Kathy Troccoli - Shannon sounds like Debby Boone circa 1977 and that’s not a good thing. I wonder how many times she’s sung this song at weddings, school recitals and the like. This performance is really really boring. Shannon’s got the raw materials, but none of the personality, star quality or emotional depth to pull it off. Inexplicably, the judges praise her. “You’ve got so much promise,” says Randy. “I’m so impressed.” He’s comparing her to Lauren Hill? Randy is nuts. Jennifer says she got her first “goosies” of the night. WTF? “My reality check bounced,” says Steven, “You took it upstairs and it went beautiful. My reality check bounced too–was I listening to the same performance as the judges? - 1-866-436-5710

Jessica Sanchez – “Love You I Do” (Dreamgirls) by Jennifer Hudson – We see footage of Jessica crying earlier in the week when her voice gave out. But when she hit the stage, you’d never know it. She channels Jhud just a bit, but puts enough of a spin on the song to make it her own. Her style is very mature and assured, like a kid who has been singing all her sixteen years–which is exactly what she is. Chick is sailing right into the Top 13. Major standing O from the audience and the judges. “That girl can really sing…one of the best of the last two nights,” says Randy. “So beyond your years,” says Jennifer. “You’ve got exceptional timing,” says Steven. Randy compares her to Beyonce. At least it wasn’t Adele. – 1-866-436-5711

Elise Testone – “One and Only” by Adele – Elise sang the same song as Jen Hirsh. The difference is that I really heard and felt the words as Elise sang. She began playing at the piano, but eventually got up–the better to lay it all out on the stage for us. I love pretty much every thing about this girl–her tone, her phrasing, her little vocal embellishments. I can’t imagine that she won’t advance to the Top 13. “You blew it out of the water,” says Steven, “From the heart, bluesy.” She admitted that her voice cracked a little because she got emotional. “I hope America gets you,” says Jennifer. “It wasn’t your best performance that we’ve seen,” says Randy, “It was still great.” - 1-866-436-5712

So there're really 7 guys in the Top 13. I don't get the hype on DeAndre. But it's alright, 'cos I feel that America got the Top 10 absolutely right. Other than Heejun, who didn't deliver as well. But I feel that he's got a good voice and if he picks the right song he could do well, so even that's okay with me. There were people like Shannon, Colton, Phillip that I thought deserved a spot but wasn't sure that they'd get the votes, but they still got in. So all I can say is kudos to America for making such a wonderful decision!

Judges' wild card picks... The Top 10 was already marvellous, so I wasn't expecting much for the wild cards. The only person I hoped would get in was Erika (which thankfully she did), and I didn't care about the rest. I felt that they should have given the wild card chance to Hallie Day instead of Brielle. But oh well. Overall, I'm happy with the results.

Now I just hope for the rest of the season that America continues to vote wisely, and if there's still a judges' Save, that they won't use it rashly. Of course, I hope for a female winner this season.

Next week, on an historic night Wednesday, March 7 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed), American Idol celebrates its milestone 400th episode, when the Top 13 will be mentored by the legendary Mary J. Blige as the guys take on the music of Stevie Wonder and the ladies pay special tribute to Whitney Houston.

Tune in the following night, Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), as America finds out who received enough votes to continue in the competition and who will be sent home. In addition, singing sensation Mary J. Blige takes the stage to perform and Season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina returns to perform her Smash hit “Georgia Peach.”

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I really wish we could stay longer in the countries we visit, but I've been lucky to have visited most of them before, because I've done a tremendous amount of travel. - Phil Keoghan

Jessica Sanchez sang last night and won the show for me. Her rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" was just breathtakingly beautiful. She got a standing ovation from the judges and audience and deserved it!

I thought it was a great night overall. Most of them delivered. I agree with Jennifer that the girls outsang the guys tonight. But sad to say, the poor performances came from the girls as well... Much as I really don't want it to happen, I'm pretty sure a girl will leave tomorrow night. Especially since the power goes to the judges. The only guys I can think of who will be in trouble are Jermaine and Jeremy. The girls whom I think will be in trouble are Elise and Shannon. If either of these girls are up against either of the guys, I'm sure that the judges will save one of the guys. Sigh.

Having said that, my favourite performances of the night are by Jessica, Hollie and Erika. Joshua was terrific, but I feel that he won't have much left to show America after a few episodes. My guess is that Colton and Phillip will be the last two guys standing. And I hope that Jessica, Hollie, Erika and Skylar round up our Final 6. Well I HOPE.

Bottom four performances - Shannon, Elise, Jermaine, Jeremy. These four just didn't impress. I'm guessing that Shannon will be eliminated tomorrow night, because she really didn't do well for her song. =(

I agree with you Ruth, I think Shannon will be the one to leave. It's a shame too because for whatever reason, her music was too low for her range. I don't know why they do this to the singers but they do and have for years.

Joshua Ledet – “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder – Joshua says the tune is completely out of his comfort zone. Producer Erick Hudson came in to show Joshua how the song could pop with a gospel feel. If Joshua was feeling out of his element, it sure didn’t show. He owned that stage. I really love his gritty, raspy gospel tone. I’m a little worried that going first will hurt him with voters. Randy: “You come out rockin. You just showed us you can do anything…flawless”. Jennifer: “I felt your performance. The music isn’t just coming out of your mouth. Mary gave you great direction on how to punch that chorus.” Steven: “You keep getting better and better. Beautiful.” – 1-866-436-5701

Elise Testone- “I’m Your Baby Tonight” by Whitney Houston – Elise was set to sing “Greatest Love of All,” But Mary and Jimmy didn’t feel it was the right song for her. Jimmy suggests “I’m Your Baby Tonight”. Mary warns her that the timing has to be right. Elise feels uncomfortable with the feedback. Mary says it would be a shame if she crashed and burned. Everybody seems uneasy with the situation. Elise misses the timing almost immediately, but she eventually rights the ship, the rest of the song is solid and bluesy. I really like her growl. The judges slam her. Jennifer: You have an amazing voice, I don’t’ think this is your best. Steven: “Your voice has so much character, you have to find just the right song.”. Randy: “It felt like you were boxing with the song. Sometimes it’s just nice to sit in the song. It wasn’t your best for me. That one wasn’t good.” Elise says she didn’t know the song at all. If she had a month with it, she could make it her own. Oh boy. She’s got a big stank face on as Ryan recites her digits. That’s not going to help. – 1-866-436-5702

Jermaine Jones – “Knocks Me Off My Feet” – Mary says she’s feeling it. She gives Jermaine some advice on his phrasing. Jimmy loves the timbre of his voice and is so happy he’s back. They can’t believe he’s only 25. Jermaine has an interesting tone, but it’s weird and old fashioned. Jimmy really seems to love it. Some of Jermaine’s phrasing is operatic, which I find a little unsettling. He needs to smooth out a few of those rough edges. Steven: That song fits you like an Armani suit. Your voice fit the song beautifully.” Jennifer: “You are such a sweetheart! I would like to see you connect to the song. I see you concentrating on the notes. I need to feel like you are really singing to somebody.” Randy: “I love the verses, when you hit the chorus, I did not enjoy it. You changed up the melody and did your own little thing with it. Just relax and sit in it. The sound of your voice is different enough.” Wow. Jermaine TOWERS over Ryan! – 1-866-436-5703

Erika Van Pelt -”I Believe in You and Me” – Mary loves her tone, comparing it to steak and potatoes. They advise her not to try and sing like Whitney. They tell her to do her own style. Erika’s got such a beautiful, rich voice and so much confidence. She seems so comfortable on stage (in contrast to Elise) She takes the song up a notch on the second verse and it’s beautifully done. She hits a couple of sweet high notes, but she never over sings. Just lovely. This girl is an original. Randy: When you hit that out chorus and you just let yourself go, it was unbelievable. Let yourself go. Amazing by the end.” Jennifer: “The way you interpret songs with the tone, really makes songs come alive. I feel like you’re playing it a little safe.” Steven: “You’ve got a beautiful fantastic voice…it was perfect.” Ryan has dubbed Erika EVP. – 1-866-436-5704

Colton Dixon – “Lately” – Jimmy says Stevie Wonder is not Colton’s wheelhouse. Jimmy asks Colton to do an original song, After listening for a bit to Colton’s angsty rock, Jimmy tells him to rely on his vulnerability. It’s not a great sign that Colton had to be told that. Oooh. Super pitchy at the top of the song. He picks up steam near the end with a big angsty finish. So, it’s the post-grunge-emo version of Stevie. For me, Colton’s vocals are on and off—he’s got pitch problems—but when he’s on he’s pretty good. Steven: “Colton that was outstanding. Well done.” Jennifer: “You were probably the most challenged tonight.” She felt his vulnerability come through. Randy: “It wasn’t picture perfect. The things that were most out of tune were the things with you singing soft and low. By the last 8 bars, you were flawless. You sang it like it was a Coldplay song…where did that falsetto come from? Well done” Ryan remarks on his smoldering eyes. A good eye f*ck can certainly bring in the votes. – 1-866-436-5705

Shannon Magrane – “I Have Nothing” – Mary says she can see her thinking. Don’t run to the big note, Mary says. Oh my. This is off pitch almost immediately. She misses the key change, and it’s all downhill from there. Wow. Kind of a trainwreck! Shannon is only 15. She has no style or experience. She’s completely out of her depth here. Jennifer: “Sweet baby, I think the thinking got the best of you. I know you are capable. Just tell the story. Relax.” Steven: “Your nerves got the best of you. It’s a huge song. You crashed and burned on the turn around.” Randy: “We know that you can sing that song. Everything you could go for, you didn’t quite hit.” Shannon admits she wasn’t really listening to the band. Well, there you go. She’s just too inexperienced. – 1-866-436-5706

Deandre Brackensick – “Master Blaster” – Mary gives Deandre some great advice on how to attack the song. Jimmy says he’s going to have to bring more than his pretty hair to the party. Whoa Deandre! There ain’t nothing wrong with your lower register dude. You need to show that off! And he is tonight. He’s got an awesome groove going and is working the stage like a pro. He’s using that falsetto, but sparingly. Deandre’s best so far. Steven: “You got that “male Naima” in you—a different flavor than everyone else. Like a Jamaican Patois.” Jennifer: “You have rhythm, soul, swagger. I thought you brought it from the beginning.” Randy: “You and Joshua showed two different sides of yourselves. You showed you can be the balladeer and do uptempos. Job well done.” – 1-866-436-5707

Skylar Laine – “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” – Skylar says she never sang Whitney before. Mary tells Skylar to pull it back a bit so she has somewhere to take the song. Skylar countrifies the song and it works! I can hear this song on country radio, for reals. She hits a huge money note at the end. So she brings the big voice like Whitney, but with a country twang. Impressive. The crowd goes crazy. Jennifer thought the beginning was nasally, but eventually Skyler gave us the biggest note of the night. Steven: “You nailed it. That was fantastic.” Randy: “You’re a country girl, but you proved you can sing any song. That was hot.” – 1-866-436-5708

Heejun Han – “All is Fair In Love” – We see some of Heejun’s “entertaining tweets”. Mary loves Heejun’s tone—she wasn’t expecting it. She wants him to give a teeny bit more. He brought gifts—a photo for Jimmy that said “I love you Jimmy” and one for Mary that said “I love you better than Jimmy” Ha. Jimmy says, “You’ve won me over.” Heejun has a lovely tone, but he could really use some voice lessons. Better diaphragm support would help him produce a fuller sound. And he needs help with his diction! He doesn’t enunciate well enough. He’s got potential and when he sings ballads, he really connects to the song. Jennifer: “I love you.” Steven: “I love your voice. Something about it that’s real special.” Randy: “It wasn’t perfect, but it was really good.” Not sure why they weren’t more constructive with Heejun. He could really benefit from some coaching. – 1-866-436-5709

Hollie Cavanagh – “All The Man That I Need” – Mary said be comfortable with the song and sing what you feel. “Your voice is sick,” she says. That’s a mighty big voice coming out of such a tiny little girl. She’s got some amazing and impressive pipes. Hollie handled one of Whitney’s larger than life songs just fine. Randy: “Dude you nailed it.” Jennifer: “We might have a sing-off between two girls in the final. That’s what I’m hoping for. Steven: “You’ve been nailing it every time. That was really nice.”- 1-866-436-5710

Jeremy Rosado – “Ribbon in the Sky” – Jimmy tells Jeremy that he’s all up in his head right now. Jeremy knows he’s on the cusp here, and he’s very nervous. Alas, Jeremy’s performance is competent, but lackluster. I still think he’s total cannon fodder and a waste of a wild card spot. Steven: “Beautiful voice. Velvety high—great song, nice passion.” Jennifer: “I love to hear your interpretation of songs. That was really really beautiful.” Randy: “For me, it wasn’t your best song. This is a difficult song. It’s the kind of song that you have to put more swag in it in order to really make it believable.” Randy…keeping it real. Somebody has to. I think the other two were afraid of hurting Jeremy’s feelings. – 1-866-436-5711

Jessica Sanchez – “I Will Always Love You” – Jimmy calls Jessica out on her excessive vibrato. Jimmy and Mary both say that Jessica just nailed it. “Impeccable,” says Mary. Jessica nails all the notes, that’s for sure. But she doesn’t deviate much from Whitney’s version. As fantastic a voice as Jessica has, I want to hear her put her own spin on songs. Still, she tackled a really difficult tune that only a few Idol hopefuls have dared attempt. It was a pretty big risk. She gets a standing ovation. Randy: Give it all to her. Jessica Sanchez is legit. You are the best vocal of the night, and of this whole competition. This is one of the best talents in the whole country.” Jennifer: “Amazing. I don’t even know what to say.” Jlo is crying. Steven: “Jessica. You may be the one. You just made 40 million people cry.” (try more like 15 million, but whatevs). Whoa at Randy’s hyperbole. Early frontrunners rarely win on Idol. Maybe Jessica will be an exception. – 1-866-436-5712

Phillip Phillips – “Superstition” – Phil knows “Superstition” has been done many times on Idol, but he does not think it’s been done the way he’s going to do it. Jimmy says he’s a rare find of a great musician and great singer. The arrangement was decent, but I did not like Phillip’s vocal at all. It felt shouty and unmusical. I keep waiting for him to Hawk up a loogie. . Sorta gross. Jennfier: I was worried this week, but you made it your own and you killed it” Randy: “You are probably the most different artist that we have this year. I’m waiting to see every time how you’re going to reinterpret somebody’s song. You drive your own car in your own lane and I love it.” But there was some hot guitar playing on that. Steven: “You got a lot of “forget about it” in your voice”1-866-436-5736

Next week, globally recognized fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger teams up with AMERICAN IDOL as image advisor for the show’s finalists. Beginning Thursday, March 15 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX, Hilfiger will mentor the contestants to define their performance identities and help guide their style transformations as they fight for their chance to become the next AMERICAN IDOL.

“I am honored to be joining Ryan, Steven, Jennifer, Randy and Jimmy for the 11th season of AMERICAN IDOL,” said Hilfiger. “My own experiences at the beginning of my career inspired my commitment to mentor young people who are dedicated to pursuing their dreams. Musicians can bring such a unique vision and personality to the stage. I admire risk takers who share my belief in the power of fashion to transform and influence, and I look forward to working with the artists to guide them in defining their performance style and identity.”

For more than 25 years, Hilfiger has brought classic, cool, American lifestyle to consumers around the world, and his discerning taste has provided the foundation for the growth of a global brand. From the beginning of his career, Hilfiger has been inspired by music. He started his first business, People’s Place, at the age of 18, selling denim jeans and styling his brother’s band for local performances. As Hilfiger’s designs merged with popular culture, the company’s distinct brand message has continued to celebrate the long association between the brand and the music world. Under his namesake label, he has worked with music legends such as the Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz, David Bowie, Britney Spears, Beyonce and Taylor Swift.

Hilfiger’s diverse achievements in business, retail and fashion have earned him a variety of distinguished awards: Menswear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (1995); Designer of the Year award from Parsons School of Design (1998); Designer of the Year in GQ’s annual “Men of the Year” issue (1998); GQ Germany’s International Designer of the Year award (2002); GQ Spain’s Designer of the Year (2006); Hispanic Federation’s Individual Achievement Award (2007); Bambi Award for the fashion category (2008); Women’s Wear Daily’s No. 1 Designer in its Annual “10” List (2008); UNESCO Support Award (2009); Marie Claire’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2009); Pratt Institute’s Legends Award (2010); Philadelphia University’s Spirit of Design Award (2011); and, once again, Designer of the Year in GQ’s annual “Men of the Year” issue (2011).

Wow! Shannon is safe! I'm really surprised, but I'm extremely happy. I thought that she'd definitely be the bottom girl. But I'm glad that Elise was the bottom girl instead. I have a feeling if Shannon had been up against Jeremy, the judges would save Jeremy. And I don't think Shannon deserves to go over Jeremy. So it was a good thing that Elise was in the bottom with Jeremy, so that it was a more clear-cut decision for the judges to save Elise.

I'm proud of the judges for saving Elise! We all know Jennifer's great love for Jeremy, so I'm happy they made an impartial choice tonight.

We've now got 6 guys, 6 girls! I hope Shannon picks herself up next week, otherwise she'll be in trouble. The other girls will overshadow her, and I can't imagine any of the guys leaving for now.